Manila guns for top spot vs Alabang

MANILA—Three-peat seeking Manila tries to zero in on the No. 1 spot and the twice-to-beat bonus that goes with it when the Sharks resume their postponed game with Alabang today in the Baseball Philippines Series 8 at the Clark Field parade grounds in Pampanga.

Cebu also tries to cement its hold of the No. 2 spot against Dumaguete in the other game.

The Cebu Dolphins, champions in the last two series, were leading the Tigers, 8-4, when rains halted their match in the fifth inning last May 8 at the Rizal Memorial ballpark.

Organizers were hoping the rains brought by Tropical Storm “Falcon” would subside yesterday so the pitch will be playable.

Manila only needs a victory to formally clinch top spot and set up a clash with the No. 4 team in the semifinals, where they will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.

The Dolphins, winners of Series 2 and 4 titles, can also corner the twice-to-beat bonus against the No. 3 team in the semifinals with another victory.

Cebu, however, will take top spot if it wins against Dumaguete in the 1 p.m. game and Manila bows to Alabang on account of a better batting average.